Dissection 9- Axilla

Question 1

What shape is the axilla?

Answer 1

Pyramidal

Question 2

Where is the axilla found?

Answer 2

Inferior to the shoulder joint, superior to the armpit

Question 3

What is the medial wall of the axilla?

Answer 3

The superolateral aspect of the chest

Question 4

What is the major structure forming the anterior wall of the axilla?

Answer 4

Pectoralis major

Question 5

What are the minor structures forming the anterior wall of the axilla?

Answer 5

Pectoralis minor and pectoral/clavipectoral fascia

Question 6

What is the most inferior aspect of the anterior wall of the axilla (and hence inferior border of pectorals major)?

Answer 6

Anterior axillary fold

Question 7

What muscle does the pectorals major work with, to be the main muscles of climbing?

Answer 7

Latissimus Dorsi

Question 8

As well as being a major muscle of climbing, what is another important function of the pectorals major muscle?

Answer 8

Accessory muscle of inspiration

Question 9

Contraction of the pectoral is major will pull the ribs in what direction?

Answer 9

Outwards and superior

Question 10

What forms the posterior wall of the axilla:

a) Anteriorly?
b) Inferiorly?

Answer 10

a) Scapula and subscapularis muscle

b) Teres major and latissimus dorsi

Question 11

What is the most inferior aspect of the posterior wall of the axilla?

Answer 11

Posterior axillary fold

Question 12

Where does the axillary artery begin?

Answer 12

The lateral aspect of the 1st rib

Question 13

Where does the axillary artery end?

Answer 13

Inferior border of teres major

Question 14

What vessel is the axillary artery a continuation of?

Answer 14

Subclavian artery

Question 15

What does the axillary artery pass posterior to in order to get into the arm?

Answer 15

Pectoralis minor

Question 16

Once in the arm, what does the axillary artery become?

Answer 16

Brachial artery

Question 17

What are the 5 branches of the axillary artery (superior to inferior)?

Answer 17

• Superior thoracic artery
• Thoraco-acromial artery
• Lateral thoracic artery
• Subscapular artery
• Anterior/posterior circumflex humeral arteries

Question 18

What is the largest branch of the axillary artery?

Answer 18

Subscapular artery

Question 19

Where does the axillary vein lie in relation to the axillary artery in the distal arm?

Answer 19

Medial

Question 20

Where does the axillary vein lie in relation to the axillary artery in the proximal arm?

Answer 20

Inferior

Question 21

What two veins merge to form the brachial vein?

Answer 21

Smaller brachial vein branches and the basilic vein

Question 22

What vein forms the axillary vein?

Answer 22

Brachial vein

Question 23

Where does the brachial vein become the axillary vein?

Answer 23

Inferior border of teres major

Question 24

Where does the axillary vein end? What does it become?

Answer 24

Ends at the lateral aspect of the 1st rib to become the subclavian vein

Question 25

What are the 3 main groups of lymph nodes found in the axilla?

Answer 25

- Basal - Central - Apical

Question 26

What are the 3 subgroups of basal lymph nodes known as?

Answer 26

- Pectoral (anterior) - Subscapular (posterior) - Humeral (lateral)

Question 27

Where do basal lymph nodes drain into?

Answer 27

Central nodes

Question 28

How many pectoral nodes are there?

Answer 28

3-5

Question 29

Where do the pectoral nodes lie?

Answer 29

Around the medial aspect of the axilla, lateral thoracic vein and the inferior border of pectorals minor

Question 30

Where do the pectoral nodes receive lymph from?

Answer 30

The anterior thoracic wall, including most of the breast

Question 31

How many sub scapular nodes are there?

Answer 31

6/7

Question 32

Where do the sub scapular nodes lie?

Answer 32

Posterior axillary fold and sub scapular blood vessels

Question 33

Where do sub scapular nodes receive lymph from?

Answer 33

Posterior thoracic wall and scapular region

Question 34

How many humeral nodes are there?

Answer 34

4-6

Question 35

Where are the humeral nodes found?

Answer 35

The lateral wall of the axilla; medial and posterior to the axillary vein

Question 36

Where do the humeral nodes receive lymph from?

Answer 36

All of the upper limb

Question 37

How many central nodes are there?

Answer 37

3/4

Question 38

Where are the central nodes found?

Answer 38

Deep to the pectoralis minor, near the base of the axilla, in association with the second part of the axillary artery

Question 39

Where does lymph from the central nodes drain into?

Answer 39

Apical nodes

Question 40

Where are the apical nodes found?

Answer 40

At the apex of the axilla, along the medial side of the axillary vein and artery

Question 41

Where do apical nodes receive lymph from?

Answer 41

All other axillary nodes | Lymphatics accompanying the proximal cephalic vein

Question 42

Apical nodes join up with other lymphatics to form what?

Answer 42

The subclavian lymphatic trunk

Question 43

Where does the subclavian lymphatic trunk (hence apical nodes) drain into?

Answer 43

Thoracic duct/right lymphatic duct